Scouting Report: EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky

Scouting Report: EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky

The Raiders are in need of pass rushers after a horrendous 13 sacks in 2018. With three first-round selections in 2018 draft, the Raiders will be using at least one of their picks on a pass rusher. Today, we look at Josh Allen, an outside linebacker from Kentucky.

Able to key and diagnose run plays displaying great instincts on run downs

Great upfield burst, does an excellent job of keying the football to get a good head start during his pass rush.

Get off is elite and is able to beat tackles to their set points if they are slow off the ball.

Superb use of hands displaying good hand placement allowing him to win the hand fight and chop, rip, then corner to the quarterback

Good coverage in the passing game displaying the ability to hang with running backs out of the backfield and tight ends.

Weaknesses

Loses consistently to offensive tacklers with quick feet and able to get to their set points with consistency.

Lacks a pass rush plan depending on his speed rush to the outside and displays adequate play strength when attempting a bull rush.

In the run game, adequate play strength allows him to be pushed back when blockers engage with good technique.

How he fits

Allen fits well into any defense because of his complete package of run defense, coverage skills, and pass rush ability with his hand in the dirt or standing up. Paul Guenther could use him in a plethora of designs. From him playing will linebacker in base 4-3, and then moving him to 7 technique on passing downs allowing him to rush the passer.

Pro Comparison- Dee Ford

Final Grade- First Round

Allen might be the most explosive player in this draft with an elite upfield burst that took the SEC by storm. His excellent mental processing is what stands out on tape, as he is always in the right the position on run plays and does an excellent job in zone coverage. Allen needs to develop a pass rush plan at the next level and add more strength to become a dominant force in the NFL, but his smarts and play in the run game will give immediate impact if the Raiders take him at four.

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